by Jessica Schroeder, U.S. Trotting Association Assistant Fair Liaison

Columbus, OH — The USTA District 4B meeting was held this past Saturday (Jan. 22) in Madison, Wis. District 4 Chairman Robert Yohn presided over the meeting which discussed rule change proposals and USTA activities.

The Wisconsin Harness Horse Association also held their annual meeting and an officials seminar the same day. Discussions ensued on how to deal with racetrack accidents, recalls, marketing projects and the annual budget. Presentations were also made on the status of racino legislation in Illinois, the 2011 race meet at Running Aces and the annual report of adoption group Racer Placers, Inc.

The evening awards banquet was well attended by 110 people. The major award winners were:

• Trotter of the Year – Fox Valley Bunns
• Pacer of the Year – Mr Shankopotamus
• Driver of the Year – Gabe Wand
• Lifetime Appreciation Award – Durwood Maas
• James Laird Memorial Award for Excellence – Tattler’s Jet
• Horseperson of the Year – Jay DeLong
• Wisconsin Harness Racing Hall of Fame – Lord Steward, Mainliner, Miss Bertha C and Guy Crippen

All award winners were showcased in a PowerPoint presentation and the winners enjoyed reliving the summer’s victories again.

WHHA’s biggest fundraiser of the year is the live auction which was held after the awards ceremony and raised more than $4,500. That money is used to put on race meets and fund the marketing efforts for harness racing in the Badger state.